5 Steps To Getting Your Doctor To Communicate Better

The key to a successful medical office visit depends on how prepared the patient is going into the visit. Most of us have a story of [ourselves] a loved one’s account of a wasted

appointment. The consequences of this type of visit include scenarios that involve longer recovery, analysis, and more office visits. Patients who recognize that there is only a short window of opportunity with the healthcare professional in the treatment room to address critical health issues follow these steps to make the most of their office visit.

Always prepare and bring your health journal to the appointment. Producing a prepared journal before the meeting, will show the clinician your initiative, active interest, and your investment in your health. Respect the healthcare professional’s and other patient’s time. And follow these steps to catapult you to the top of the “Good Patient” list.

1. Provide Accurate Information

Before going to your appointment answer the following questions: Why am I here? Always bring your insurance card, proper ID and updates that you have since your last appointment.

2. Know why you are in the clinic

Prepared short and simple answers will help your healthcare professional quickly get to the root of the problem.

3. Follow doctor’s orders

Following the doctor’s order will ensure other healthcare professionals involved in your condition that you are making a genuine effort to recover. Not just shopping for a more comfortable answer.

5. Help the clinician help you.

Trust the healthcare professional to follow through with treatment and processes to adequately diagnose your condition. Keep in mind; the clinician may need to communicate with their colleagues or wait for lab results. Give your healthcare professional time to do so and trust that they will get back to you in a timely manner. Benchmark 1-2 business days for broken office callbacks. If you do not hear from the clinician in that time, feel free to make an office call. A friendly reminder to a nurse or medical assistant is all that is needed to get back on the priority list.